An expansive lobby lounge is decorated with a glass beaded ceiling installation, which hangs as a tribute to the local fishing industry. This installation is enhanced by a bespoke carpet, manufactured by a local company called United Carpets, which together with the furnishings merge into the various blue shades of the Arabian sea.
The hotel offers eight F&B venues. Raniolo chooses all-day dining restaurant, the Spectrum, as her favourite.
“The design inspiration is derived from a ‘food market’ with a souk atmosphere, showcasing food in an artistic way. The buffet counters and islands are made from neutral beige stone material and are complemented by a splash of bright red octagonal glazed mosaics from Casa Mia. Materials are warm and rustic but detailed with a contemporary flare. Local influences are brought together with brass lanterns, upholstery, embroidery and handcrafts,” says Raniolo.
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A private dining area has been designed as an intimate space for family and friends, utilising a decorative bronze chain curtain from Kriska Decor coupled with the backdrop of the glazed red mosaics and custom-made round pendants with an Arabic perforated pattern. The chain curtain is used in the space to provide privacy without separation from the vibrant atmosphere of the all-day dining area.
The warm colour palette for the signature Turkish restaurant was inspired by the spices of the region.
Impey adds: “The Turkish restaurant is my favourite and it’s quite theatrical. We did a lot of research about the Topkapi Sultan’s Palace in Istanbul and its vast culinary history. To create this unique environment, we mixed the rich style of the Palace and the Byzantine period with a contemporary flair.” Hand-painted Iznik tiles used as wall features are sourced directly from Turkey. Concrete tiles, also sourced from Turkey with an Arabic star pattern, were also used as a complementing wall feature to tone down the bright colours.
The concept behind the guest rooms was to use the colour scheme of natural elements and abstract beauty from Arabic jewellery, precious stones and intricate metal fretwork inspired by the local heritage. The guest rooms are divided into four colour schemes: Azurite and silver, rubies and antique copper, amber and light copper, and amethyst and gold. The colour scheme of the corridors is matched to that of the guest rooms. The designers wanted to create the feeling of entering an intimate and stylish zone as soon as guests step out of the elevator.
Throughout its 25 year history, GAJ has created buildings, such as Dubai Creek Golf Club, Bab Al Shams and the Arabian Court Residence & Spa at The One & Only Royal Mirage. Besides Raniolo and Impey, key people involved in the Fairmont project were Kevin McLachlan, head of interior design and senior interior designers Francisco Ongkiko and Jobeth Estabaya.
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